Engine: Moisture (water) in the engine !! / 259 partial flow

[jackb]

So the quick version is that upon starting up my engine after removal and re-sealing, I soon after start up saw the coolant weeping at the thermostat housing. Then it got worse. Then I noticed one of my replacement oil lines was spewing milkshake fluid. Total run time = 5 minutes. Just now went to seek new hydraulic oil line replacements. Came home, pulled the dipstick, and was really hard pressed to find any milkshake on the dipstick. Maybe at the very tip. Unscrewed the drained, partial filter and found it all milky.

How you ask ? The engine sat on a stand for a few days whereupon it rained heavy for the better part of a day. I had the engine covered in a heavy plastic sheet (mattress delivery sheet) and checked the engine to see only the smallest hint of surface moisture from being underneath, and no damage to the plastic.

Where do I go from here ? I'm sure the water came from the outside moisture since the engine was drained. How many times should I run (cheap) oil in the engine after draining, and how much run time.

[StudeRich]

I hate to say it, but you do not get that much water from condensation, high humidity etc. INTO the 95% sealed up crankcase under a tarp.
There is likely a Head Gasket leak.

So under a week, with the Lifter Cover, and Valve Covers On ?
The only opening to the crankcase would be the Oil Cap or Caps and the draft tube if there even is one, I just don't see that much moisture getting in.
Did you ever open the top end, like remove Heads ?

[jackb]

I would be nervous on the head gasket possibility, but not moving on the stand for a week or 2 ? Possible ? Here's one suggestion: I purchased the oil filter from a reputable vendor in addition to the 2 oil lines, filter base which had a perimeter crack (looks like a previous engine removal and chain injury) from PO. The oil filter was sealed in plastic. Never seen that before. Is it possible that moisture could have been sealed in the can ? Is it possible that the filter was soaked at 1 time and then wrapped air tight ? Just musings. Unfortunately, among all the things I'm repairing, I installed new front X-pipes. Tough to see white smoke.....BTW - when draining the oil before removal, there was no water in the pan....

[StudeRich]

Again, if what I guessed is true, Engine NOT Open, these are all just possibilities of minor drops, not tablespoons or Ounces of water, and are no big deal, not the cause.

I agree though, you should get that water Out of the Pan soon, and the first liquid that comes out will be a substantial amount of water, probably even with the 5 Min. of "Churning up" to Gray Milk.

Also, you can pull the spark Plugs and crank the engine, to find out if there is water leaking into the cylinders.

[JoeHall]

I'd change oil and filter, then run it at least 30 minutes, or till problem(s) became obvious. If no obvious problems after the run in, I'd check again for signs of water in the oil again. If in doubt about head gasket(s), a compression test would confirm, or not.